Top Baby Names For 2021

A fusion of tradition and innovation.

For generations, naming conventions stuck to traditional and familial names. However, the popular baby names of 2021 proved that parents are now looking for names that combine a rich historical background with contemporary relevance. Parents prefer names that honor their heritage while also reflecting modern values and individuality. This growing interest in distinctive and unique names has given rise to unconventional choices that are lovable and memorable.

For girls, the classic favorites Olivia (peace) and Emma (universal) maintained their timeless charm at the top of the charts, while also making room for the celestial allure of names like Luna (moon) and Nova (new). Likewise, the baby boy names Liam (protector) and Noah (to rest) remained popular due to their strong, classic roots. However, the rise of names like Asher (blessing) and Kai (sea) highlighted the growing acceptance of names that have a contemporary flair. If you too are looking for a wide range of trendy baby names, then this list is for you. Derived from official SSA data (1), these are the most popular choices in the US, offering a blend of modern flair and timeless appeal.

In This Article

Browse Top Baby Names by Gender

Girl Boy

Browse Top Baby Names by Year

Name		Gender	Meaning
Madelina		Girl	Of Magdala
Bairon		Boy	Place of the cow sheds
Baldemar		Boy	A famous ruler; Bold and brave
Keyani-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-Popularity,-And-Adorable-Nicknames		Unisex	Rising sun
Maebel		Girl	One who is lovely; Lovable
Barrington		Boy	Settlement; Foreign; Barley dwelling; Warrior; Hero
Basilio		Boy	Royal; Kingly; Brave
Kimia-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History-&-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Elixir of life; Alchemy; Philosopher's stone; Rare; Unique
Autry		Boy	Noble strength
Maimouna		Girl	She who is under divine protection
Beniah-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	The Lord builds
Mairin		Girl	A star of the sea; Rebelliousness; Beloved
Axcel-Baby-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity-&-More		Unisex	My father is peace
Kyia-Name:-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity,-And-Variations		Unisex	Beautiful princess
Manuella		Girl	God is with us
Axon-Baby-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning-And-Popularity		Unisex	Red; Man; A person who lived at the gate; Street
Marielena		Girl	She is like the sea of sorrow
Bain		Girl	Fair; Fair-headed; Beautiful
Laniah-Baby-Name-Complete-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity-&-More		Unisex	Little rock; Handsome; Light; World
Marilena		Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for child; Torch; Corposant; Moon
Marybeth		Girl	Combination of Mary and Beth
Branton		Boy	A settlement where broom grows; Fire
Ayon		Unisex	Clear; Transparent
Lawren		Unisex	From Laurentum; Laurel
Mayumi		Girl	Beautiful; Genuine; Reason
Azam		Boy	The greatest being alive
Melony-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-Pronunciation-&-12-Variants		Girl	Black; Dark
Berry		Girl	Fair-headed; White; Blessed; Fruit; Shining; Spear
Merry-Name-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-To-A-Delightful-Name		Girl	Lighthearted; Happy; Mirth
Brisyn		Boy	Son of Bryce
Milka-Baby-Name-Guide:-Origin,-Meaning,-Popularity-&-More		Girl	Gracious; Dear; Rival
Buster		Boy	Tough guy; Pockmark; Boil
Millianna		Girl	Gracious; Dear; Middle of the field
Maddi-Name-Complete-Guide:-Popularity,-Variations-&-More		Unisex	Donation; Mother; Sea of bitterness; Wished for child
Mireille-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History-&-Complete-Guide		Girl	To admire; Wonderful; Beloved; Sea of bitterness
Misa		Girl	Beautiful sea; Three; Fine sand; Happiness; Who is like God
Modesty		Girl	Moderate; Restrained; Measure
Morwenna		Girl	Maiden; Girl; Waves of the sea
Casmir		Boy	To destroy; World; Peace; Proclaimer of peace
Blayden-Baby-Name-Guide:-Pronunciation,-Meaning-&-Popularity		Unisex	Little fire; God of thunder
Bora		Boy	Snow; Purple; Storm
Chael-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Complete-History-And-Popularity		Boy	The one who resembles God
Makaylee		Girl	Who is like God?
Braelin-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Variations:-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Intelligent, wise, and bright person
Chetan		Boy	Visible; Conscious; Soul
Natania-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Gift of God; Righteous; He gave; Giver
Malayla		Unisex	Exotic; Mysterious; Strong
Nayara		Girl	Town between the rocks
Brinson		Unisex	Habitational name from Briençun
Cyler		Boy	Sailor; Ropemaker
Mckinnley		Boy	One that follows orders
Niharika		Girl	Nebula
Maybree		Unisex	Mud hill
Nithya		Girl	Eternal; Always
Meztli		Boy	Moon
Niva		Girl	Kin; Clan; Wife; Woman; Speech; Expression; Fang; Tusk
Daivik		Boy	Divine
Carder-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Complete-Guide		Unisex	One who uses a cart
Miel		Unisex	Honey
Corry		Girl	Horn; From the hallow
Cartel-Baby-Name:-29-Insights-From-Pronunciation-To-Numerology		Unisex	Poster; Placard; Page
Nona-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-&-Popularity		Girl	Ninth; Dove; Firstborn daughter; Nun
Darek		Boy	A gifted ruler; Power of a tribe
Chancelor		Unisex	Chief secretary; Office holder
Daryan-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-Pronunciation-&-Numerology-Guide		Boy	City in East Azerbaijan; One who possesses goodness; Sea
Myleah-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation,-Popularity		Girl	Sweet; Graceful; Noble
Cordae		Unisex	Cord-maker; Seller of cord; Lamb; Polite; Courteous
Dawood		Boy	Beloved; Uncle
Nai		Unisex	Green vegetables; Apple tree; Many; Clothing
Naysa		Girl	Miracle of God
Nakayla		Unisex	Victorious; Wise; Respected
Pari-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity,-Nicknames-&-More		Girl	Fairy; Angel; Circumambulate
Cylis-Name-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Wealthy; Beautiful
Pranshi		Girl	Another name of Goddess Lakshmi; Of great stature
Dillinger		Boy	From the town of Dillingen
Rainie		Girl	Queen; Rain
Doyle-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Dark stranger; Descendant of Dubhghall
Danger		Boy	Ability to harm; Power; Lord
Niyomi-Name:-24-Insights-Into-Pronunciation,-Traits-&-More		Unisex	My pleasantness
Nurvi		Girl	Precious
Noeli		Unisex	Christmas; Born on Christmas
Revel		Girl	To celebrate; To take pleasure
Eladio		Boy	Of Greece; One from Hellas
Noir		Unisex	Black
Rhianna-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-3-Key-Insights		Girl	Great queen; Goddess
Eligio		Boy	To choose; The chosen one
Davinci:-Baby-Name-Guide-With-Pronunciation,-Meaning-&-More		Unisex	Of Vinci
Rihana		Girl	Basil; Sweet basil
Nylia		Unisex	Graceful; Elegant; Intelligent
Roselie-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Famous type; Rose
Ellsworth		Boy	Enclosure; Ella's enclosure; A habitational name
Dejour		Unisex	Of the day
Enes		Boy	Friendly
Oriah		Unisex	Golden
Sadiya		Girl	Lucky; Blessed; Happy
Eragon		Boy	A fictional character who rides a dragon
Erez		Boy	A tall and strong tree; Cedar
Pressley		Boy	To come from the priest's meadow
Eri		Boy	My guardian; Blessing; Beautiful; Love; Good; Clean
Paw		Unisex	Arise; Emerge; Appear; Soft foot of a mammal

Infographic: Popular Trendy Long Names Of 2021

There is a sense of grandeur and elegance attached to long names. These names often reflect cultural heritage and family values. In 2021, their regal and timeless appeal continued to captivate parents. Have a look at the infographic below to pick a meaningful and popular long name for your little one.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team